Top 10 Licorice Root Tea Benefits

Unfortunately, when most people think of licorice, they think of gummy candy or a well defined flavoring found in many sodas, foods and even tobacco. Interestingly enough, while the herb is attributed to flavoring a great variety of things, it is anise – not actual licorice, that is most commonly used instead. But, this does not mean that there are not numerous uses for the plant. They just go well beyond the realm of making things taste good. Throughout history, licorice root tea benefits have been utilized for a great range of health benefits including everything from infections to arthritis.

Contained within the plant are natural chemical compounds that are thought to contribute to its healing benefits. Flavonoids are one such type of chemical compound, and various plant estrogens are also found in licorice. Additionally, a super sweet chemical element known as glycyrrhizin is thought to be responsible for numerous therapeutic properties related to licorice. These and other compounds contribute to licorice root tea benefits that either prompt the body to release its own natural healing chemicals or stimulate responses within the body that can help relieve discomfort or promote healing.

Licorice root tea is very easy to find commercially prepared. However, for maximum health benefits, preparing the tea from the dried root is preferable. There are numerous herbal tea recipes that incorporate licorice root because of its enjoyable flavor. One licorice root tea recipe in particular combines the best of the herbs natural healing properties as well as additional components that perfectly melt with the unique characteristics of licorice root. Combining one cup of the dried root with half a cup of cinnamon chips, half a cup of dried chamomile flowers, two tablespoons of dried cloves, and half a cup of dried orange peel creates a blend that can be stored in a jar away from light and used when desired. To prepare, two and a half cups of cold water can be combined with three tablespoons of the mix and brought to a boil in a saucepan and then simmered for ten minutes. The mixture should be strained and then enjoyed warm to take advantage of the wealth of licorice root tea benefits, ten of which can be found below!

1. Depression: Although St. John’s Wort may be one of the best known herbs to combat depression naturally, it is certainly not the only one, and this lesser known of licorice root tea benefits is unfortunately overlooked.

2. Heartburn: There is some documented evidence that licorice can help relieve a wide range of gastrointestinal ails, most notably heartburn, when combined with some other herbs. The root is also thought to be useful in people with ulcers and other tummy troubles.

3. Asthma: Licorice root tea benefits are thought to aid the respiratory system in numerous ways. Coughs may be relieved from the herb’s expectorant properties, and both inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract may also benefit from licorice root. Sufferers of asthma may find some relief in discomfort from enjoying tea brewed from the root.

4. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Both of these health conditions have been heavily observed in the past few years, and licorice root tea benefits may include an energy boost for sufferers. The root’s contained chemical compound glycyrrhizin may help both reduce stress and provide energy due to its supposed effects on cortisol levels in the body.

5. Heart Disease Prevention: Although studies are still limited, there is some evidence that licorice may help reduce the prevalence of clogging in the arteries which in turn might contribute to lower levels of bad cholesterol and an overall reduce risk of heart disease.

6. Menstruation Symptoms: Women may be happy to know that licorice root tea benefits are thought to include a reduction in the symptoms associated with PMS. It is the phytoestrogens in licorice that are likely responsible for easing the bloating and irritability women commonly experience during menstruation.

7. Immunity Boosting: Citrus foods loaded with vitamin C are the first thing most people think of in terms of naturally boosting immunity to viruses, however, licorice root tea benefits are also thought to include providing a healthy immunity boost. It has been suggested that the root prompts the body to crank out more interferon, which helps to combat invading viruses that lead to illness.

8. Headaches: Licorice root is thought to have mild analgesic properties and has been compared to traditional aspirin in terms of ability to help stave off a mild headache. As is the case with many over the counter pain relievers, fever reduction is also thought to be in the root’s arsenal of uses.

9. Allergy Relief: Chronic allergy sufferers who tire of the side effects associated with many common medications for allergies may want to consider a cup of tea to take advantage of licorice root tea benefits instead. Some have found that the herb’s anti allergenic effects can provide some relief from everyday and chronic symptoms associated with allergies.

10. Stress Relief: The simple act of enjoying a hot cup of tea can engage the sense and bring about feelings of peace and serenity. Licorice root may provide additional benefits in this regard however because it is thought to affect the adrenal glands, providing support in times of both emotional and physical stress.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website should be used as general knowledge only and not a substitute for a medical advice or a treatment for specific medical conditions. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Always consult with your doctor or other professional healthcare provider for a medical advice regarding your specific medical condition.
Thank you for choosing HerbalTeasRecipes.com as your herbal tea solutions informational resource!